Dispensing container and closure

ABSTRACT

A two-piece dispensing package is provided in which one of the parts functions as the container for retaining the product and the other part cooperates therewith to function alternately as a closure and as a dispenser. The container has a finish contoured to receive the one-piece closure member which is rotatable thereon between a closed sealing position and an open dispensing position. Vertical grooves are formed on the inner surface of the container neck. Sealing flanges extend downwardly from the top of the closure and snugly engage such inner surface in positions overlying the grooves. Cam means are provided to force such flanges inwardly upon rotation of the closure member to open communication between the container body and the grooves. Apertures are provided in the top of the closure member which overlie the vertical grooves when the closure is open.

United States Patent Dreps et al.

[451 Apr. 4, 1972 [54] DISPENSING CONTAINER AND CLOSURE [72] lnventors: James R. Dreps, Kinnelon; Ira H. Miller,

West New York, both of NJ.

abandoned.

[52] US. Cl. ..222/545, 222/565 [51] Int. Cl ..B65d 47/00 [58] Field of Search ..222/485, 480, 565, 548, 545

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,342,385 9/1967 Knight ..222/548 X 3,467,288 9/1969 Croyle ..222/480 Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg Attorney-Philip M. Rice and W. A. Schaich [5 7] ABSTRACT A two-piece dispensing package is provided in which one of the parts functions as the container for retaining the product and the other part cooperates therewith to function alternately as a closure and as a dispenser. The container has a finish contoured to receive the one-piece closure member which is rotatable thereon between a closed sealing position and an open dispensing position. Vertical grooves are formed on the inner surface of the container neck. Sealing flanges extend downwardly from the top of the closure and snugly engage such inner surface in positions overlying the grooves. Cam means are provided to force such flanges inwardly upon rotation of the closure member to open communication between the container body and the grooves. Apertures are provided in the top of the closure member which overlie the vertical grooves when the closure is open.

I 13 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures Patented April 4, 1972 3,653,559

4 Sheets-Shoot 2 INVENTOR. JAMeS R DRPS BY IRA H (Mm-ire Q44. )4. M y M /M Patented April 4, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 5

FIG. 6

INVENTOR. JAma's Q. DREPS BY IRA H. FULLER W M 1 Ma Q QJZUF.

Pafiented April 4, 1972 3,

4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

DISPENSING CONTAINER AND CLOSURE This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 737,018, filed June 14, 1968, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a two-piece dispensing package. Although two-piece dispensing packages in which a one-piece closure member cooperates with a one-piece container to both seal the contained product and permit such contained product to be dispensed are not broadly new, as evidenced by prior art disclosures such as those contained in US. Pat. Nos. 3,258,179 and 3,342,385, they are in great demand because they are more economical than the threeor four-piece dispensing packages previously utilized. However, the twopiece dispensing packages heretofore known have experienced some difficulty either in achieving an adequate seal when the package is in a sealed position or in dispensing the product when the package is in a dispensing position. With this in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a two-piece dispensing package capable of effectively sealing the product and yet which will permit the product, generally a powder, to be readily dispensed when the closure member is moved to a dispensing position.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a two-piece dispensing package in which the closure member is provided with a sealing flange or skirt which prevents leakage of the product when in a sealed position but which is resiliently deflected as the closure is moved to an open position to permit the product to be dispensed therefrom.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the annexed sheets of drawings on which:

FIG. 1 is a sectional elevational view of the package of the present invention taken through line 1-1 of FIG. 2 and showing the closure applied to the neck of the container. 7

FIG. 2 is a top plan view, partly in section, with the closure being shown in a closed sealing position.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the closure in an open position on the container.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the neck of the container.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing in detail the positioning of the operative elements when the closure is in a closed positioned on the container.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the closure in an open position.

FIGS. 7-9 are views similar to FIG. 5 showing modified embodiments.

Referring now to the drawings, the package comprises a container 10 having a dispensing closure 20 affixed thereto. The container 10 includes a body portion 11 which terminates at its upper end in an annular wall defining a neck 12. The neck 12 terminates at its upper end in a rim 13. The annular wall defining the neck 12 has an inner surface 15, in which is formed a plurality of grooves or recessed portions 14, each of which defines a passageway extending downwardly from the rim 13. As seen most clearly in FIG. 4, the recessed portions of the inner surface 15, by virtue of extending completely to the rim 13, causes the rim to have a corrugated appearance. Thus, as will become apparent from the description of the closure, the rim 13 has first portions 13a in the area of the recessed portions 14 of the inner surface 15 and second portions 13b which are radially inwardly from the first portions 130 and which cooperate with the closure in functioning to seal the package when the closure is in a closed position. The outer surface of the neck 12 is provided with means, such as an annular bead 16 for retaining the closure thereon. Camming surfaces I7 are provided to connect the lower end of the recessed portions 14 with the inner surface 15. For reasons which will become apparent, the camming surfaces 17 are disposed to provide a gradual transition from the respective recessed portions to the inner surface 15. As can be readily seen from the drawings, the angles between the surface of the recessed portion 14 and the camming surface 17 and between the camming surface 17 and the inner surface 15 are both obtuse.

The closure 20 includes a top panel 21 having an annular skirt 22 depending therefrom. The annular skirt 22 has on its inner surface an inwardly facing bead 23 which is engagable with the bead 16 to retain the closure 20 on the neck 12. The top panel is provided with a plurality of apertures 24 corresponding in number to the number of recessed portions 14. The apertures 24 are so positioned on the top panel as to overlie the second or sealing portion 13b of the rim 13 when the closure is in sealed rotative position and to overlie the recessed portions 14 of the neck when the closure is in the open rotative position.

Depending downwardly from the top panel 21 is a flange or inner sealing skirt 26. The inner sealing skirt is spaced radially inwardly from the annular skirt 22. The inner sealing skirt 26 is provided with a plurality of slots 27 extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof. The slots 27 are so formed in number and position as to result in a plurality of flange or sealing skirt segments 26a which correspond in number to the number of recessed portions 14 formed in the inner surface 15. The diameter of the inner sealing skirt 26 is substantially the same as the diameter of the inner surface 15, and the sealing segments 26a extend downwardly beyond the lower edge of the recessed portions 14. This, coupled with the angular positioning of the sealing skirt segments 26a results in the respective sealing skirt segments 26a completely overlying the recessed portions 14.

The outer surface of each of the flange or sealing skirt segments 26a is provided with a vertical rib 30 which, when the closure is in the closed or sealed position, is positioned within one of the respective recessed portions 14. Such positioning permits the flange or sealing skirt segments 26a to snugly engage those portions of the inner surface 15 around the recessed portions 14. As may be seen by comparing FIGS. 2 and 5, respectively, with 3 and 6, rotation of the closure 20 from the closed or sealed position to an open or dispensing position causes the vertical rib 30 to engage the camming surface 17 to cause it to ride over such camming surface to the inner surface 15, thereby deflecting the lower edge of the sealing skirt segments 26a inwardly out of engagement with the inner surface 15. Such deflection opens communication between the interior of the body portion 11 and the passageway defined by the respective recessed portions 14. Such rotation also causes the apertures 24 to move from a position overlying the sealing portions 13b of the rim 13 to a position overlying the recessed portions 14. With the closure in such position, the product within the body portion 11 can be readily'dispensed simply by inverting the container and shaking it.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is provided a modificationin which the inner sealing skirt 26 is provided with relatively thin web elements 32 rather than slots formed completely through such sealing skirt as in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, all material to be dispensed must flow beneath the lower edge of the inner sealing skirt 26 whereas in the previous embodiment, the product to be dispensed could flow both from beneath the lower edge of the sealing skirt segments as well as around the sides of such sealing skirt segments 28 through the slots 27.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is provided another embodiment in which the camming surface extends completely up to the top of the rim 13. In this embodiment, the vertical rib 30 is positionedonly near the lower end of the sealing skirt segments 28 which can freely deflect and not at the top where such sealing skirt segments are rigidly joined to the top panel 21.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is illustrated another embodiment in which the camming surface extends completely to the rim 13 but varies from the previous embodiment in that it is canted at an angle. In this embodiment, the vertical rib 30 may extend nearly or completely to the top panel 21.

The fact that the flange or sealing skirt segments 28 are snugly engaged to the inner surface 15 while the apertures 24 are in positions overlying sealing portions of the rim 13 provides a package construction which effectively seals powdered or granular goods contained therein. And yet, by a simple rotative movement of the closure, the package is moved from a closed, sealed position to an open dispensing position. Furthermore, the components of the package can be readily molded from several conventional thermoplastic materials, including polyethylene and polypropylene.

Several other modifications will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art; accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A dispensing package comprising:

1. a container having a body portion terminating at its upper end in an annular wall defining a neck, the upper end of said wall defining a rim, the inner surface of said wall having at least one groove defining a passageway extending downwardly from said rim and a camming surface joining said inner surface and said groove, the angles between said camming surface and said inner surface and between said camming surface and said groove being obtuse, and means on said neck for retaining a closure thereon in rotatable engagement therewith, and

2. a closure having a top panel, an annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said groove and positioned to overlie said groove, and, when in a closed position, engaging said inner surface, interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in said groove when in a closed position and engageable with said camming surface as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt inwardly out of engagement with said inner surface to provide open communication between said body portion and said groove and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said groove when in an open position and overlying said rim when in a closed position.

2. The dispensing package as defined in claim 1 wherein said interference means comprises a rib extending outwardly from said skirt.

3. A dispensing package comprising:

1. a container having a body portion terminating at its upper end in an annular wall defining a neck, the upper end of said wall defining a rim, the inner surface of said wall having a plurality of grooves spaced therearound defining passageways extending downwardly from said Tim, camming surfaces joining said inner surface and respective grooves, the angles between the respective camming surfaces and said inner surface and between the respective camming surfaces and said recessed portion being obtuse, and means on said neck for retaining a closure thereon in rotatable engagement therewith, and

2. a closure having a top panel, an annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said grooves and, when in a closed position, engaging said inner surface in areas around said grooves, a plurality of interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in the respective grooves when in a closed position and engageable with the respective camming surfaces as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt inwardly out of engagement with the inner surface areas around said grooves to provide open communication between said body portion and said grooves, and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said grooves when in an open position and overlying said rim when in a closed position.

4. The dispensing package as defined in claim 3 wherein said interference means comprise ribs extending outwardly from said skirt.

5. The package as defined in claim 3 wherein said inner skirt is provided with a plurality of slots extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof, said slots being misaligned with said grooves both when the closure is in a closed and in an open position.

6. The package as defined in claim 3 wherein said inner skirt is provided with a plurality of grooves extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof, said grooves being misaligned with the grooves in said neck both when the closure is in a closed and in an open position.

7. A dispensing package comprising:

1. a container having a body portion terminating at its upper end in an annular wall defining a neck. the upper end of said wall defining a rim, the inner surface of said wall having a plurality of grooves spaced therearound defining passageways extending downwardly from said rim, and means on said neck for retaining a closure thereon in rotatable engagement therewith, and

2. a closure having a top panel, an annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said grooves and, when in a closed position, engaging said inner surface in areas around said grooves, a plurality of interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in the respective grooves when in a closed position and urgeable inwardly out of said grooves to engagement with the inner surface as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt out of engagement with the inner surface around said grooves to provide open communication between said body portion and said grooves, and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said grooves when in an open position and overlying said rim wen in a closed position.

8. The package as defined in claim 7 wherein said inner skirt is provided with a plurality of slots extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof, said slots being misaligned with said grooves both when the closure is in a closed and in an open position.

9. The package as defined in claim 7 wherein said inner skirt is provided with a plurality of grooves extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof, said grooves being misaligned with the grooves in said neck both when the closure is in a closed and in an open position.

10. A dispensing package comprising:

1. a container having a body portion terminating at its upper end in an annular wall defining a neck, the upper end of said wall defining a rim, the inner surface of said wall having a plurality of grooves spaced therearound defining passageways extending downwardly from said rim, and means on said neck for retaining a closure thereon in rotatable engagement therewith, and

2. a closure having a top panel, a annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said grooves, a plurality of interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in the respective grooves when in a closed position and urgeable inwardly out of said grooves to engagement with the inner surface as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt away from said inner surface in the area around said grooves to provide open communication between said body portion and said grooves, and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said grooves when in an open position and overlying said rim when in a closed position.

11. In a container and dispenser, the combination of: a ho]- low container body having a generally tubular neck portion; said tubular neck portion having an open end; said tubular neck portion having a substantially annular wall structure provided with a concentric bore, said wall structure having recessed grooves therein, said grooves communicating directly with said bore; said wall structure having a generally annular outer wall provided with projections disposed and extending radially outward from said annular wall, said grooves extending into said projections, each of said grooves having an open end located at said open end of said tubular neck portion, said projections having closed ends spaced from said open end of said neck portion, said closed ends forming ledge structure extending radially outward from said annular wall; said annular wall portion, at said open end of said tubular neck having a plane surface portion and thus providing a plurality of valve shutoff surfaces disposed in a generally annular row and located intermediate said open ends of said recessed grooves; and a cap having a cover end portion provided with a plurality of dispenser openings adapted to align with said open ends of said recessed grooves; said cap rotatably mounted on said neck and alternately movable so as to move said dispenser openings from an aligning position with said open ends of said grooves to a position in contiguous relation with said shutoff surfaces; said valve shutoff surfaces extending a substantial distance radially outward beyond said dispenser openings; said cap having an annular skirt surrounding outer portions of said projections; said cap having a detent ledge slidably engaging said ledge structure of said projections, whereby said cover end and said dispenser openings are held in contiguous relation with said shutoff surfaces.

12. in a container and dispenser, the combination of: a hollow container body having a generally tubular neck portion; said tubular neck portion having an open end; said tubular neck portion having a substantially annular wall structure provided with a concentric bore, said wall structure having recessed grooves therein, said grooves communicating directly with said bore; said wall structure having a generally annular outer wall provided with projections disposed and extending radially outward from said annular wall, said grooves extending into said projections, each of said grooves having an open end located at said open end of said tubular neck portion, said projections having closed ends spaced from said open end of said neck portion, said closed ends forming ledge structure extending radially outward from said annular wall; said projections extending radially outward, said annular wall portion, at said open end of said tubular neck having a plane surface portion providing a plurality of valve shutoff surfaces disposed in a generally annular row and located intermediate said open ends of said recessed grooves; and a cap having a cover end portion provided with a plurality of dispenser openings adapted to align with said open ends of said recessed grooves; said cap rotatably mounted on said neck and alternately movable so as to move said dispenser openings from an aligning position with said open ends of said grooves to a position in contiguous relation with said shutoff surfaces; said cap having an annular skirt surrounding outer portions of said projections; said cap having a detent ledge slidably engaging said ledge structure of said projections, whereby said cover end and said dispenser openings are held in contiguous relation with said shutoff surfaces.

13. The invention, as defined in claim 11, wherein: said openings in said cap diverge outwardly away from said shutoff surfaces. 

1. A dispensing package comprising:
 1. a container having a body portion terminating at its upper end in an annular wall defining a neck, the upper end of said wall defining a rim, the inner surface of said wall having at least one groove defining a passageway extending downwardly from said rim and a camming surface joining said inner surface and said groove, the angles between said camming surface and said inner surface and between said camming surface and said groove being obtuse, and means on said neck for retaining a closure thereon in rotatable engagement therewith, and
 2. a closure having a top panel, an annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said groove and positioned to overlie said groove, and, when in a closed position, engaging said inner surface, interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in said groove when in a closed position and engageable with said camming surface as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt inwardly out of engagement with said inner surface to provide open communication between said body portion and said groove and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said groove when in an open position and overlying said rim when in a closed position.
 2. a closure having a top panel, an annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said groove and positioned to overlie said groove, and, when in a closed position, engaging said inner surface, interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in said groove when in a closed position and engageable with said camming surface as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt inwardly out of engagement with said inner surface to provide open communication between said body portion and said groove and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said groove when in an open position and overlying said rim when in a closed position.
 2. The dispensing package as defined in claim 1 wherein said interference means comprises a rib extending outwardly from saId skirt.
 2. a closure having a top panel, an annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said grooves and, when in a closed position, engaging said inner surface in areas around said grooves, a plurality of interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in the respective grooves when in a closed position and engageable with the respective camming surfaces as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt inwardly out of engagement with the inner surface areas around said grooves to provide open communication between said body portion and said grooves, and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said grooves when in an open position and overlying said rim when in a closed position.
 2. a closure having a top panel, an annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said grooves and, when in a closed position, engaging said inner surface in areas around said grooves, a plurality of interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in the respective grooves when in a closed position and urgeable inwardly out of said grooves to engagement with the inner surface as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt out of engagement with the inner surface around said grooves to provide open communication between said body portion and said grooves, and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said grooves when in an open position and overlying said rim wen in a closed position.
 2. a closure having a top panel, a annular skirt depending from said top panel, means on said skirt engageable with the retaining means on said neck, a sealing skirt spaced inwardly from said annular skirt extending downwardly from said top panel to a point beyond the lower end of said grooves, a plurality of interference means on said sealing skirt positionable in the respective grooves when in a closed position and urgeable inwardly out of said grooves to engagement with the inner surface as the closure is rotated on the neck to an open position to urge said sealing skirt away from said inner surface in the area around said grooves to provide open communication between said body portion and said grooves, and aperture means in said top panel in communication with said grooves when in an open position and overlying said rim when in a closed position.
 3. A dispensing package comprising:
 4. The dispensing package as defined in claim 3 wherein said interference means comprise ribs extending outwardly from said skirt.
 5. The package as defined in claim 3 wherein said inner skirt is provided with a plurality of slots extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof, said slots being misaligned with said grooves both when the closure is in a closed and in an open position.
 6. The package as defined in claim 3 wherein said inner skirt is provided with a plurality of grooves extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof, said grooves being misaligned with the grooves in said neck both when the closure is in a closed and in an open position.
 7. A dispensing package comprising:
 8. The package as defined in claim 7 wherein said inner skirt is provided with a plurality of slots extending upwardly from the lower edge thereof, said slots being misaligned with said grooves both when the closure is in a closed and in an open position.
 9. The package as defined in claim 7 wherein said inner skirt is provided with a plurality of grooves extending upwardlY from the lower edge thereof, said grooves being misaligned with the grooves in said neck both when the closure is in a closed and in an open position.
 10. A dispensing package comprising:
 11. In a container and dispenser, the combination of: a hollow container body having a generally tubular neck portion; said tubular neck portion having an open end; said tubular neck portion having a substantially annular wall structure provided with a concentric bore, said wall structure having recessed grooves therein, said grooves communicating directly with said bore; said wall structure having a generally annular outer wall provided with projections disposed and extending radially outward from said annular wall, said grooves extending into said projections, each of said grooves having an open end located at said open end of said tubular neck portion, said projections having closed ends spaced from said open end of said neck portion, said closed ends forming ledge structure extending radially outward from said annular wall; said annular wall portion, at said open end of said tubular neck having a plane surface portion and thus providing a plurality of valve shutoff surfaces disposed in a generally annular row and located intermediate said open ends of said recessed grooves; and a cap having a cover end portion provided with a plurality of dispenser openings adapted to align with said open ends of said recessed grooves; said cap rotatably mounted on said neck and alternately movable so as to move said dispenser openings from an aligning position with said open ends of said grooves to a position in contiguous relation with said shutoff surfaces; said valve shutoff surfaces extending a substantial distance radially outward beyond said dispenser openings; said cap having an annular skirt surrounding outer portions of said projections; said cap having a detent ledge slidably engaging said ledge structure of said projections, whereby said cover end and said dispenser openings are held in contiguous relation with said shutoff surfaces.
 12. In a container and dispenser, the combination of: a hollow container body having a generally tubular neck portion; said tubular neck portion having an open end; said tubular neck portion having a substantially annular wall structure provided with a concentric bore, said wall structure having recessed grooves therein, said grooves communicating directly with said bore; said wall structure having a generally annular outer wall provided with projections disposed and extending radially outward from said annular wall, said grooves extending into said projections, each of said grooves having an open end located at said open end of said tubular neck portion, said projections having closed ends spaced from said open enD of said neck portion, said closed ends forming ledge structure extending radially outward from said annular wall; said projections extending radially outward, said annular wall portion, at said open end of said tubular neck having a plane surface portion providing a plurality of valve shutoff surfaces disposed in a generally annular row and located intermediate said open ends of said recessed grooves; and a cap having a cover end portion provided with a plurality of dispenser openings adapted to align with said open ends of said recessed grooves; said cap rotatably mounted on said neck and alternately movable so as to move said dispenser openings from an aligning position with said open ends of said grooves to a position in contiguous relation with said shutoff surfaces; said cap having an annular skirt surrounding outer portions of said projections; said cap having a detent ledge slidably engaging said ledge structure of said projections, whereby said cover end and said dispenser openings are held in contiguous relation with said shutoff surfaces.
 13. The invention, as defined in claim 11, wherein: said openings in said cap diverge outwardly away from said shutoff surfaces. 